At all relevant times, the SAUDI ABBHA was operated by the National Shipping Company Saudi Arabia ("National Shipping"). Friberger Aff., P 2. United Arab had chartered space on board the SAUDI ABBHA and had agreed to carry the Cargo for Pennington Seed, pursuant to a bill of lading (the "Bill of Lading"), dated 14 February 1996. Friberger Aff., P 2, Exh. A.

United Arab is "headquartered in Kuwait," but maintains an office in Cranford, New Jersey. See Milana Aff., P 6; Friberger Aff., PP 1, 10. The "Notify Address" for Pennington Seed, listed on the Bill of Lading, is Madison, Georgia. See Bill of Lading. The Irwin Brown Company of New Orleans, Louisiana is listed in the Bill of Lading as a second "Notify Party." Id. The Bill of Lading indicates the shipper for the cargo was M/S Agrimpex Pvt. Ltd., of Kathmandu, Nepal. Id.

The SAUDI ABBHA arrived with the Cargo in New Orleans, Louisiana, on or about 22 April 1996. Friberger Aff., P 4. After the arrival of the Cargo, United Arab "hired Con-Surve, who used a New Orleans surveyor, Mike Marziale to survey the Cargo ...." Id.

TCI Trucking is a business located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Friberger Aff., P 6. TCI Trucking "attended and coordinated with the surveyors" of the Cargo and transported the Cargo to a sterilization facility operated by Import Sterilization, Inc. ("Import Sterilization") Id. The Cargo was "stripped at Import Sterilization ... where it was inspected and fumigated." Id., P 7. "The local movement of the Cargo was coordinated by the Irwin Brown Co., customs brokers, also located in New Orleans." Id., P 9.

All documentation relating to the Cargo and McGee's claims "as well as all relevant ship's records, logs, notes, arrival notices, delivery records, and other information is in New Orleans in the possession of Keer Steamship, United Arab's local agent, or is with the vessel owner in Saudi Arabia." Friberger Aff., P 8. United Arab's New Jersey agents had no involvement in the shipment of the Cargo. Id., P 10. At least three witnesses, including two surveyors and Jack Jensen ("Jensen") of Import Sterilization, TCI Trucking and National Shipping are all located in Louisiana. Milana Aff., P 11. There is no indication that any witnesses with information relevant to the instant action are present in New Jersey. There is no indication, moreover, that TCI Trucking has any contact with New Jersey and jurisdiction over TCI Trucking in New Jersey does not appear to exist.

2. Procedural History

McGee filed the instant Complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Morris County on 4 March 1997. The Complaint contains five counts. The first count alleges the Cargo, or portions thereof, were "damaged or lost" while in the control of Defendants. Complaint, First Count, P 4. The second count alleges Defendants "breached their contract of bailment, freight forwarding and carriage, as a result of which, [McGee's] insured's merchandise was greatly depreciated in value and [McGee's] insured lost the use of same for which it claims damages." Id., Second Count, P 3. The third count alleges Defendants "caused damages to [McGee's] insured's property," while it was in the "custody, care and control" of Defendants. Id., Third Count, P 4-5. The fourth count alleges Defendants breached "their agreements" with Pennington Seed. Id., Fourth Count, P 3. The fifth count alleges Defendants "were negligent and careless, and as a result of the negligence and carelessness of ... Defendants ... [McGee] suffered damages." Id., Fifth Count, P 2.

On 18 April 1997, United Arab removed the instant matter to this court. See Notice of Removal. On 22 April 1997, United Arab filed an amended notice of removal. On 25 April 1997, United Arab filed an answer. On 16 May 1997, United Arab filed the instant Motion to Transfer.

Discussion

1. Motion to Transfer

United Arab argues this matter should be transferred to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the location most convenient to the majority of the parties and witnesses. Moving Brief at 1. United Arab argues the instant action bears no connection with New Jersey and that TCI Trucking is not subject to jurisdiction in New Jersey. Id.

McGee argues United Arab has failed to overcome the strong preference for litigating in McGee's choice of forum and has failed to establish that the balance of conveniences weigh strongly in favor of transfer. Opposition at 3. The Opposition consists of a two page brief. McGee argues:

Defendant, United Arab, moves for removal (sic) based on forum non conveniens. Factors which it argues support removal (sic) include the goods were shipped to a port in Georgia
*fn2"
and relevant witnesses are located in Georgia. The fact that the goods were shipped to Georgia is not an important consideration because the goods are no longer in Georgia or subject to inspection. In addition, not all witnesses are located solely within the State of Georgia. [McGee] itself is located in the States of New York and New Jersey, and is an essential witness in assessing the loss. Most of the documents are located in the New York office as well as in plaintiff's attorney's possession and control in New Jersey. Therefore [McGee's] choice of forum was permitted, and is proper.

Further, under 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a), it not be (sic) in the interests of justice to have this action removed (sic), as [United Arab] contends. Removing (sic) this case would be more expensive for all parties involved as it is a relatively small claim, discovery has already proceeded, and the parties have discussed possible settlement. Based on these additional factors, removal (sic) is improper.

Opposition Brief at 3.

2. Standard of Review Under 28 U.S.C. ...

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